Free Amelia's Journey by Martha Rogers

“Ready, Princess?”
    His childhood nickname sent a warm feeling to her heart. Then she glanced behind him, where she spotted Ben. Her breath caught in her throat when his gaze met hers. Amelia sent a quick smile his way and turned her attention back to her father. The whole exchange had lasted only seconds, but her father must have noticed from the frown he now wore.
    She turned on her brightest smile. “This is going to be a wonderful night. I’m so proud to have you escort me.”
    His mouth then turned up to a smile, and he squeezed her hand as music filled the hallway and the line proceeded forward. After each girl and her escort had been announced, the orchestra played her favorite piece of music.
    When all had been presented, they headed to their assigned tables. Amelia picked up her dance card to find it already filled in. She had forgotten that was the custom for this cotillion. The names of all the young men present were listed, including Ben. Somehow his name appeared twice, as did two of the others. Whoever had made out the form couldn’t have known Ben was one she wanted as a partner more than once.
    During the sets preceding the one with Ben, Amelia’s gaze had no trouble finding him and knowing where he was at all times. At the same time she managed to keep her attention focused on her partner. When it finally became her first turn with Ben, her knees shook and she could barely breathe.
    Ben smiled and placed one hand at her waist and the other on her hand. “I thought this moment would never come.” The music began, and he swept her to the dance floor with a grace and ease that belied his cowboy background.
    Heat rose in Amelia’s cheeks, but her voice lodged in her throat. She merely returned his smile and nodded. After a minute or so, she swallowed hard and found her voice. “I’m amazed at how well you know this dance. Did you learn on the ranch?”
    He lifted his chin and chuckled. “As a matter of fact, I did. Ma taught me. She said if I was going to attend such affairs, I needed to know what to do. Then Mary Beth and I practiced after I arrived here.”
    â€œWell, it certainly paid off. You’re one of the best partners I’ve had.” The smile remained on her lips, but a grimace filled her heart. What a stupid subject of conversation. She didn’t want to talk about his dancing ability, but she couldn’t be so bold as to tell him how much she had missed him.
    His hand tightened around hers. “I’ve missed you and wanted to come yesterday to call on you, but Ma insisted you would be much too busy as Mary Beth was getting prepared for this evening.”
    Amelia’s body became light as a feather, and she followed his steps, floating on air. He had missed her. That’s all she needed to know. They had no need for words, for his eyes told her how much he cared. The music ended all too soon, and Ben escorted her back to her table.
    He bowed toward her. “Thank you for the dance, Miss Carlyle, and I look forward to our next one.”
    After he strolled away, her heart continued to pound in her chest. Not wanting to see her parents right then, she headed upstairs to the room set aside for the young ladies to check their appearance. When she entered, several of the girls stood around Mary Beth.
    Isabella practically swooned. “Where have you been hiding that handsome brother of yours, Mary Beth Haynes? If I’d known men like him grew in the west, I might have planned a visit there.”
    Mary Beth’s laughter filled the room, and the other girls tittered and giggled. “If you had to live with him, you might not be so quick with your praise.” She glanced over at Amelia and winked.
    Isabella turned around, her eyebrows raised. “Amelia, how did you manage to get his name on your card twice? He’s not on mine until later, but I watched him, and he dances divinely.” Her sigh and fluttering